Dockside Line Up

Dockside Line Up, 12 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2019

Available - Click for information

Shrimp boats in the low country make such a beautiful sight... whether they are hard at work out in the ocean (with millions of birds circling them), or resting quietly at the dock. I love painting them because it's such a challenge. They are incredibly complicated with booms and nets and lines going everywhere. But for me, it's all about the overall scene... the light, the setting, the colors, and the feeling. Too much hard detail will distract from that. My strategy is to get the basic positions, shapes, and angles as accurate as possible, and simply suggest all the rigging. Then I let the eye fill in the rest. 

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2019 PLEIN AIR WORKSHOP INFO:

November 8-9, 2019 - Austin, Texas

Contemporary Austin Art School, FULL - Register for waitlist Here 

2020 PLEIN AIR WORKSHOP INFO:

March 30-April 2, 2020 - Wimberley, Texas

Contact Helena Hauk, Wimberley Artists Workshops, 800-327-1913

Date is firm - details coming soon!

April 16-18, 2020 - St. Simons Island, Georgia

Contact Mary Anderson, Anderson Fine Art Gallery, 912-634-8414

May 8-9, 2020 - Austin, Texas

Contemporary Austin Art School, Registration opens in December

Sea Breezes and a great surprise!

Sea Breezes, 40 x 30, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2019

Sold at the Anderson Fine Art Gallery

Last week I shipped this painting to the Anderson Fine Art Gallery in Georgia, fresh off the easel. I was very happy with the piece and excited to be replenishing my inventory. What could be better? Well, here is what... my gallery's owner stuck it right in the window of the shop, and two hours later it was SOLD! Yeee Haw!!!! Such a wonderful surprise - Thank you new collectors, and thank you Anderson Gallery!!!!! :)

Cottage Entrance

Cottage Entrance, 8 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2019

Available at Anderson Fine Art Gallery - Click for information

This is a historical tabby cabin that is left over from the Hamilton Plantation on St. Simons Island, in Georgia. It is called "tabby" because of its building materials. Tabby is a mixture of equal parts sea shells, sand, lime and water. It was used by the Spanish settlers in the South and made use of indigenous materials. Very resourceful of those settlers, don't you think? Readily available, free... such a deal! 

I've painted this many times, so if it looks familiar, that is why. It's one of those places that calls me back at different seasons, for different angles, and at different times of day. I always seem to see something new.

___________________________

2019 PLEIN AIR WORKSHOP INFO:

November 8-9, 2019 - Austin, Texas

Contemporary Austin Art School, FULL - Register for waitlist Here 

2020 PLEIN AIR WORKSHOP INFO:

March 30-April 2, 2020 - Wimberley, Texas

Contact Helena Hauk, Wimberley Artists Workshops, 800-327-1913

Date is firm - details coming soon!

April 16-18, 2020 - St. Simons Island, Georgia

Contact Mary Anderson, Anderson Fine Art Gallery, 912-634-8414

Turquoise Vase - Simple Shapes Before Detail

Turquoise Vase, 24 x 24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2019

SOLD in solo show "Beaches, Birds and Botanicals"

I do love a vessel full of Hydrangeas, and I was very happy when a sweet young couple shared that love and snapped up this piece! It's fun to see young families picking mutual favorites, imagining a place on their walls, and thoughtfully building their art collections. Well... let's face it, it is fun to see ANYONE building their art collection!

For my painter friends out there, here is a tip I find most helpful...

I often talk about my general painting process, but with this piece I want to emphasize the importance of building your paintings on a foundation of big shapes and simple values. Why? Because working from simple to complex sets you up for a much more satisfying finish than diving straight into the details. AND, hydrangeas are a great subject to illustrate that principle. 

My block-in focuses on large shapes of shadow and light. 

I purposefully avoid the individual petals of the flowers... EVEN THOUGH there are millions of them. My goal at this point: authentic shapes, edges and profile.

Going to color, I hang on tightly to the simple shapes.

I keep the shadow and light families separated, and I am still avoiding individual petals! My goal at this point: a subject that is recognizable by shape before any "detail" is added. I often want to stop at this point because I love the simplicity (and sometimes I do!) ;)

At completion, details emerge but my foundational value shapes remain. 

I loosely suggest petal detail with subtle shifts within the light family, and 

subtle shifts within the shadow family. And never the twain shall meet (meaning, the two value ranges do not overlap much or at all.) In the end, the shadow and light patterns tell the story, not the details! (Click HERE to see the painting "details" in a high res image.)

___________________________

2019 PLEIN AIR WORKSHOP INFO:

November 8-9, 2019 - Austin, Texas

Contemporary Austin Art School, FULL - Register for waitlist Here 

2020 PLEIN AIR WORKSHOP INFO:

March 30-April 2, 2020 - Wimberley, Texas

Contact Helena Hauk, Wimberley Artists Workshops, 800-327-1913

Date is firm - details coming soon!

April 16-18, 2020 - St. Simons Island, Georgia

Contact Mary Anderson, Anderson Fine Art Gallery, 912-634-8414

Misty Spray - painting in Laguna Beach!

Misty Spray, 10 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2019

Available - Click HERE for information

I saw this spot from above and decided to hike down to it. In theory, I was just "checking it out", but deep down I knew I would not go back up until I had finished a painting. Partly, because of the climb... for sure. But more importantly, I have learned that if I don't settle down and get started, I might roam around for two hours with nothing to show for it!

Soon after I started, that overcast sky began to drizzle. It was my last morning to paint in CA, and I was not about to turn back. Thankfully, I had my umbrella (which works just as well for rain as it does for sun), so I popped it up and was able to forge on. I'm sure you have heard that oil and water don't mix, well it is very true! If the canvas gets wet, the paint won't stick!! 

2019 PLEIN AIR WORKSHOP INFO:

November 8-9, 2019 - Austin, Texas

Contemporary Austin Art School, FULL - Register for waitlist Here 

2020 PLEIN AIR WORKSHOP INFO:

March 30-April 2, 2020 - Wimberley, Texas

Contact Helena Hauk, Wimberley Artists Workshops, 800-327-1913

April 16-18, 2020 - St. Simons Island, Georgia

Contact Mary Anderson, Anderson Fine Art Gallery, 912-634-8414

Palm Tree Promenade - painting in Laguna Beach!

Palm Tree Promenade, 8 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2019

Click to purchase - $200 + $16 shipping

This parklike setting overlooks the ocean in Laguna Beach, and has a constant breeze off the water. It was particularly stunning when the sun came out and made everything sparkle! 

A few of you have asked what took me to California... well, lucky girl that I am, I was invited along to an annual conference with my husband. This was our 5th year and it's always fabulous! He did have meetings, but don't worry that he missed out. His afternoons included wonderful golfing opportunities, which he very much enjoyed! Everyone got to do what they wanted! :)

2019 PLEIN AIR WORKSHOP INFO:

Nov. 8-9, 2019 - Austin, Texas

Contemporary Austin Art School, FULL - Register for waitlist here 

2020 PLEIN AIR WORKSHOP INFO:

March 30-April 2, 2020 - Wimberley, Texas

Contact Helena Hauk, Wimberley Artists Workshops, 800-327-1913

April 16-18, 2020 - St. Simons Island, Georgia

Contact Mary Anderson, Anderson Fine Art Gallery, 912-634-8414 

Rock Passage - painting in Laguna Beach!!

Rock Passage, 12 x 10, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2019

SOLD

Last week I had a wonderful opportunity to do some painting in Laguna Beach, CA! SUCH fun!! It's a beautiful place and there is a compelling view in every direction. The hard part, as always, was choosing what to paint and how much to include. This iconic rock formation is probably the most painted spot there, but I couldn't resist giving it a go. 

Here is my set up from the overlooking cliff...

2019 PLEIN AIR WORKSHOP INFO:

Nov. 8-9, 2019 - Austin, Texas

Contemporary Austin Art School 

FULL - Register for waitlist Here 

2020 PLEIN AIR WORKSHOP INFO:

March 30-April 2, 2020 - Wimberley, Texas

Contact Helena Hauk, Wimberley Artists Workshops, 800-327-1913

April 16-18, 2020 - St. Simons Island, Georgia

Contact Mary Anderson, Anderson Fine Art Gallery, 912-634-8414 

Local Harvest

Local Harvest, 8 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2019

Painted for solo show "Beaches, Birds and Botanicals"

Available at Anderson Fine Art Gallery

When my neighbors' orange tree was producing so much fruit they couldn't eat it all, they graciously let me come in and do a little harvesting of my own. I love to paint fruit that has just been picked, especially when the leaves are still on it! I also love this color combination... orange and turquoise - delish! Thank you, HC!!

Golden Beach Path

Golden Beach Path, 30 x 40, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2019

Available at the Anderson Fine Art Gallery

At this time of year, grasses in the landscape begin to differentiate. This is when we get to see the golds and reds pop out, offering a beautiful contrast to all the greens. I absolutely LOVE the opportunity to work that glow into my work!!! 

Just for fun, here is the block in for this piece. I know I am like a broken record on this, but finding the composition and values before tackling color really helps hold the scene. For me, it's a road map.

Block in using Ultramarine and Burnt Sienna...

a good way to start! 

Ever Expanding

Ever Expanding, 18x24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2019

Available at the Davis Gallery 

This scene is classic Texas Hill Country. Cactus families here are very prolific and once they get established, they just take off (or they take over, however you want to look at it!) I spotted this meadow from my car, and something about the light, and the fence, the the sunlit grasses made me stop the car and go back. I was actually heading home at the end of a painting day, so I couldn't set up my easel. BUT... I do believe this is what that iPhone camera is for! ;)

WORKSHOP INFO:

Fall Plein Air Workshop at Contemporary Austin Art School, Nov. 8-9, 2019

FULL - Register for waitlist Here 

Ever Surrounded - Big Pink Blanket of Love

Ever Surrounded, 36 x 24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2019

SOLD at the Davis Gallery, Austin, Texas

in the Big Pink Blanket of Love exhibit

Saturday night brought out a great crowd of friends and supporters for the opening of the Davis Gallery "Big Pink Blanket of Love" show, honoring Jan Heaton and the memory of her daughter Kristin Peabody. It was truly an evening of love all around. Thanks to all who came out!

10% of all sales goes to cancer research through the Peabody Fund. 

Jan Heaton (facing camera) with friends at 

Big Pink Blanket of Love Exhibit

DETAIL OF THE BIG PINK BLANKET OF LOVE

Collaboration of over 60 artists, 

154 four inch hand-painted squares,

Hand-stitched together and framed by the Davis Gallery,

A beautiful and amazing piece!!! 

This piece will ultimately be donated to The Art of Giving fundraiser, benefitting the Dell Children's Hospital in Austin. I am so proud to be a part of it!

Ever Brilliant - and a special group show

Ever Brilliant, 24 x 24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2019

SOLD at the Davis Gallery - Big Pink Blanket of Love show

BIG PINK BLANKET OF LOVE

Davis Gallery Group Show 

837 West 12th Street, Austin, Texas

September 14 - October 12

Reception September 14, 7-9 pm

I am honored to be a part of this unique group show in support of Davis Gallery's own Jan Heaton, a dear friend and one of Austin's premier watercolorists. In February of 2019 Jan's daughter, Kristin Peabody, was taken by an aggressive cancer she had battled for 10 years. In place of the solo exhibition that was scheduled for Jan, Davis Gallery and Austin's artistic community are banding together in solidarity to fight cancer and find strength. 

What is the Big Pink Blanket of Love?

Over 60 artists have contributed 4x4 inch squares of their own original artwork, in an overall pink palette. These squares have been hand-stitched together to create a pink quilt, symbolizing the community's compassion, strength, and friendship. The idea is derived directly from Kristin's own feeling that the love she received over the course of her treatments felt like a "big, warm, pink blanket of love". Here is a sneak peek... 

In addition to this collaborative quilt, an extended group show focused on love, gratitude, and family will feature original artwork by Jan Heaton and over twenty other artists.

How are we fighting cancer with this show?

Ten percent of all proceeds from this exhibit will be donated to the Peabody Fund, a project set up in direct response to Kristin Peabody's ambition to help develop innovative work in cancer research through the San Diego Center for Personalized Immunotherapy. The "big pink blanket of love" collaborative quilt will be donated to the Dell Children's Medical Center's annual fundraiser, "The Art of Giving" which benefits thousands of young cancer patients.

I am so excited for the unveiling of the BIG PINK BLANKET OF LOVE, and I hope you will join us at the reception. Art heals.

Tropical Overflow - Starting with a Preliminary Sketch

Tropical Overflow, 24 x 24, Oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2019

From solo show, "Beaches, Birds, and Botanicals"

Available at Anderson Fine Art Gallery

When I received this gorgeous flower arrangement from my sweet husband, I knew I would HAVE to paint it. I loved how the orchid blossoms bent and wandered freely into the light, while the many plant stems were tightly compressed in the shadow of the jar. As is often my practice, I pulled out a sketchbook to capture the parts that interested me...

Tropical Overflow, graphite sketch, 10x10

Doing a sketch helps me get the shapes and essence of a subject in my eye. Sometimes I'll make several sketches, until I find the composition I like best.

 Moving with wet paint onto the larger canvas, I first try to capture the profile only of the smaller image I want to paint. I keep my first marks light and outline-y (avoiding all detail) until I know I have positioned the whole subject correctly. 

Within that profile "envelope", I build out the values of the various elements of the subject. Having this underpainting as my block-in helps me hold on to the darks and lights as I add in color. 

Final painting, "Tropical Overflow", 24 x 24, L. Daniel

WORKSHOP INFO:

Fall Plein Air Workshop at Contemporary Austin Art School, Nov. 8-9, 2019

FULL - Register for waitlist Here 

Southern Beauties

Southern Beauties, 18 x 18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2019

Sold in solo show, "Beaches, Birds and Botanicals"

Anderson Fine Art Gallery

Great news! St. Simons Island was spared by the hurricane. So grateful! However, it did go on to smatter those farther up the coast, so prayers for safekeeping continue. Here are some southern flowers in honor of friends down there who have weathered the storm. Hydrangeas are everywhere in the south... they are such a happy sight! 

Join me for an upcoming workshop...

Fall Plein Air Workshop at Contemporary Austin Art School, Nov. 8-9, 2019 - Register Here

Crossing The Causeway and a prayer for the Golden Isles

Crossing the Causeway, 24x 30, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2019

Sold in solo show, "Beaches, Birds and Botanicals"

Anderson Fine Art Gallery

This marsh scene is part of my daily travels when I am in St. Simons Island, GA... very familiar and greatly beloved. Today this quiet creek faces the wrath of Hurricane Dorian. It could be completely changed by flooding rains, devastating high winds and the predicted storm surge. One weather person described Dorian as an "80 mile wide bowling ball of 100 mph winds, rolling up the eastern seaboard". That is quite an image to think about. We are waiting and watching, and praying for the safety of all in its path. 

Join me for an upcoming workshop...

Fall Plein Air Workshop at Contemporary Austin Art School, Nov. 8-9, 2019 - Register Here

Distant Shore

Distant Shore, 30 x 40, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2019

from solo show "Beaches, Birds, and Botanicals"

Available at the Anderson Fine Art Gallery

Here is another beach walking memory... and it was all about that little pop of light on the distant shore. Or, maybe it was about the distant shore on beyond that pop of light. This wide expanse seems to go on forever, and there is always something new in the distance to catch my attention and follow! Just a little farther...

Click HERE to see larger version.

Join me for an upcoming workshop...
Fall Plein Air Workshop at Contemporary Austin Art School, Nov. 8-9, 2019 - Register Here

Drifting Dunes

Drifting Dunes, 30 x 40, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2019

Sold in solo show, "Beaches, Birds, and Botanicals"

Anderson Fine Art Gallery

I love the beach, especially when it glows in the early morning sunlight. It has a nourishing quietness that can sustain the rest of the day... one of those things that elicits the phrase, "if only we could bottle that up!" Painting is one way for me to do just that. It's my own private bottling factory that allows me to revisit some of my favorite moments.

Join me for an upcoming workshop...
Fall Plein Air Workshop at Contemporary Austin Art School, Nov. 8-9, 2019 - Register Here

Seaside Blossoms - Getting Started with a Strong Underpainting

Seaside Blossoms, 36 x 18, Oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2019

Painted for solo show, "Beaches, Birds and Botanicals"

Available at the Anderson Fine Art Gallery

I receive many inquiries from budding artists about how to get started on a painting. My answer is always the same, "Invest in your block-in and under painting." What does that mean exactly? For me, it begins with a loose, painterly sketch using ultramarine and burnt sienna... 

My first concern is for placement of the subject and establishing my composition. I establish linear boundaries to contain the various areas of the painting. This helps prevent elements from growing.

Next I consider placement of values (meaning lights and darks of the overall painting), and begin to develop the shapes. This is also the best time to make any needed adjustments to the drawing and overall composition. 

Ultimately, I want my block-in to be a road map to my finished painting. If I take the time to invest in this stage of a painting, it usually tells me exactly where to go next.

Seaside Blossoms, 36x18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2019

Join me for an upcoming workshop...
Fall Plein Air Workshop at Contemporary Austin Art School, Nov. 8-9, 2019 - Register Here

Beach Reflections

Beach Reflections, 15 x 30, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2019

Painted for solo show, "Beaches, Birds, and Botanicals"

Available at the Anderson Fine Art Gallery

Another title for this might have been, "Breakfast on the Beach" as this is another great hunting ground for egrets and other shore birds. When the tide comes in, they gather around larger tide pools and forage for trapped fish and insects. Mornings seem the best time... they are intent on their work until something startles them, sending them up and away.

Upcoming:
Fall Plein Air Workshop: Contemporary Austin Art School, Nov. 8-9, 2019 - Register Here